கருங்குருவி ~ the Black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a
small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a wholly
black bird with a distinctive forked tail perching conspicuously on a bare
perch or along power or telephone lines. The species is known for its
aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, never hesitating
to dive-bomb any bird of prey that invades its territory. To the unobservant, the black drongo could
appear rather unremarkable. Apart from the swift, balletic dives that it makes
to pursue its prey, nothing about the drongo’s physical appearance — the small
squat body, the glossy black feathers or even the distinctive forked tail — is
spectacular. But to merely glance and then ignore this bird is to lose sight of
a bird truly remarkable, fearless and aggressive.

25th July 2017
is Thiruvadipuram [Puram
Nakshathiram in the month of Aadi] – a most blessed day for all
Srivaishnavaites – for this day marks the birth of Kothai
Piratti [Andal]. Andal was the embodiment of divine wisdom and devotion par
excellence.

Andal’s birth occurred in
the 98th year of Kali Yuga – Nala Varudam – in the month
of Aadi – shukla paksham – chathurthasi day. She was found in a
thulsi garden at Sri Villiputhur by Vishnu Chithar [Periyazhwaar]. Our
Acharyar in his ‘Upadesa Rathina Malai’ hails the day as ‘
Periyaazhwar pen pillaiai Aandal pirantha thiruvadipurathin seermai’.
Uyyakkondar says in the thanian visualizing Srivilliputhur as a very special
Divyadesam where Hamsam [anna pakshi] known for its power to separate milk from
water are abundant and hails Andal for the verses with which she offered
garlands to the Lord.

Sri Anal with Sri Parthasarathi

Sri ANDAL is the
quintessence incarnation of Shri Bhuma Devi, the divine consort of Sriman
Narayana, who took birth on this earth to liberate suffering human beings
from worldly bondage. She sang thirty sweet songs containing the cardinal
principles of Sri Vaishnava Dharma. Other than Thiruppavai which is
specially sung in all the days of the month of Margazhi, She also gave us 143
verses known as ‘Nachiyar Thirumozhi’.

On this great day, there
will be grand procession [purappadu] of Andal at Srivilliputhur, Srirangam,
Kanchipuram, Thiruvallikkeni and many other divyadesams. The 10 day
celebrations at Thiruvallikkeni culminates grandly today.

Her philosophy is clear
and unmistakable. She says இம்மைக்கும் ஏழ் ஏழு பிறவிக்கும் பற்றாவான் நாராயணன் (‘immaikkum
ezhezhu piravikkum patraavan, nammaiyudaivan Narayanan nambi’)
- "Sriman Narayana is our refuge now and forever and He will not let
us down, for we are His possessions".

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan

226th July 2017

PS 1: Milk sweets are special and at Her place, Sri Villiputtur, Palkova, the supreme milk delicacy is
exceptional. The semisolid texture and
the flavor makes this delicacy unique.

PS 2 : Collage and picture of Sri Andal taken on
various days at Thiruvallikkeni.